JWT expands as Peel eyes Brexit opportunities
Haulage firm JWT Commercial has expanded its footprint at the Port of Liverpool with an investment in five acres, as Peel Ports suggested that Brexit-linked congestion at rival ports could provide further opportunities.
The space being taken on by JWT at the port doubles the land it occupies and gives it the ability to handle 100 containers per week as it moves goods on for distribution to stores across the UK. The firm is also now working with Peel at other ports including London Medway and Great Yarmouth, Peel said.
Last week discount retailer B&M, which uses JWT as its inland logistics partner, announced plans to increase its imports through the Port of Liverpool by 30% following a trial period, meaning that 80& of its cargo will now arrive through the port.
Jon Whiteley, director of JWT, said: “We are delighted to be investing further at the Port of Liverpool and to be working so closely with Peel Ports. Not only does this relationship allow us to be closer together, it allows us to offer customers a joined-up approach to logistics, and a consistently efficient service.
“Because of the current delays being experienced across major ports in the South East, there is a real gap in the market. This investment puts us in a strong position to offer our services to cargo owners looking to transport their goods across the UK in the fastest way possible.”
Stephen Carr, commercial director at Peel Ports, said: “JWT’s investment in Liverpool illustrates the confidence the firm has in growing even further this year. With problems only expected to worsen as Brexit moves closer at southern ports, congestion shows no sign of easing and delays get longer.
“Because of this we are seeing ports such as Liverpool and London Medway benefit, and firms such as JWT able to help customers move their goods to where they are needed in the most efficiency way possible.”
JWT has also invested £500,000 at its Port of Liverpool base to create an automated system that will significantly speed up its turnaround time for containers travelling through the port.
